Internet TV with CU-SeeMe: Chapter 9 - Other Videoconferencing Technologies

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Internet TV with CU-SeeMe: Chapter 9 - Other Videoconferencing Technologies

9

Other Videoconferencing Technologies

CU-SeeMe isn't your only choice for videoconferencing. This chapter provides you with enough information to evaluate these many systems; some of these technologies may better meet your requirements. Their prices range from nothing to several thousand dollars per participant. Software to enhance and automate CU-SeeMe operation on the Macintosh also is covered in this chapter. Similar software for Windows is sure to follow the release of the Connectix QuickCam for Windows, in the autumn of 1995.

Overview of Other Technologies

This section covers a variety of videoconferencing technologies. Pictures and logos that appear here have been taken from the web pages for that product. The summary information, compiled by Leigh Anne Rettinger of the SUCCEED project, was checked at the time of this printing. In some cases, very little information about a software package was known, but contact information is provided anyway. If you have videoconferencing tales to tell, please let me know.


Avistar


Figure 9.1.

??Author: Is this supposed to be the figure of the star on the button? What is it? The Avistar Logo? -dean

Provider: Avistar Conference

Minimum requirements: Intel, Macintosh, or Sun platform.

Notes: Multipoint (up to 4 simultaneous participants), collaboration (shared window with annotation capability.)

For more information: Avistar Systems, 555 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto CA 94301, +1.415.617.1350, +1.415.617.1351 (fax), info@avistar.com, http://www.avistar.com/avistar-adr.html


Being There


Figure 9.2.

Provider: Intelligence at Large

Minimum requirements:

Macintosh: Mac 68040 or Power Mac, MacOS 7.1, 8 MB RAM, 3.5 MB available disk space, QuickTime video capture, video input (S-VHS, NTSC, PAL, SECAM), audio input.

Notes: Modem use requires 28.8 kbps for audio, video, and collaboration (9600 bps sufficient for collaboration only). LAN Protocols: Appletalk and AppleTalk Remote Access (ARA), TCP/IP. Audio encoding: QuickTime. Video encoding: Quicktime, National Semiconductor Video Codec Interoperability Standard Support. Multipoint capability in some configurations. Collaboration: full document window sharing, real-time updates of shared documents, drag-and-drop interface for file transfer, file and clipboard transfer, object-based whiteboard mark-up. Demon version available from their web page. Cost: $299 for Standard, $599 for PRO, $149 for Starter kit (includes 2 Standard kits, limit one per site).

For more information: Intelligence at Large, Inc., 3508 Market Street, Suite 230, Philadelphia PA 19104, +1.800.425.7638, +1.215.387.6002, +1.215.387.9215 (fax), info@beingthere.com, http://www.beingthere.com/


Figure 9.3. Being There


Bitfield Video Communication System (BVCS)

Provider: Bitfield Oy

Minimum requirements:

Intel: Windows 3.1, external monitor or video overlay board (any of Bitfield DVP, Creative Labs VideoBlaster, Fast Electronic Screen Machine, New Media Graphics Super VideoWindows, Omnicomp M&M Basic, VideoLogic DVA, Adda AVer Video Commander, or other products supporting Microsoft Media Control Interface (MCI))

Notes: LAN protocols: TCP/IP and NetBIOS. Interoperability: H.320. Video encoding: H.261. Audio encoding: G.711, G.722, G.728.

For more information: Bitfield Oy, Ukonvaaja 2, FIN-02130 ESPOO FINLAND, +358.0.5024220, +358.0.4552240 (fax), general information: info@bitfield.fi, technical support: techsupp@bitfield.fi, http://www.bitfield.fi/. Bitfield USA, 1960 E. Grand Ave., Suite 550, El Segundo CA 90245, +1.310.322.9863, +1.310.322.9867 (fax).


C-Phone

Provider: Twincom

Minimum requirements:

Intel: Windows 3.1, 386SX, 4MB RAM, VGA, graphics board with feature connector

Notes: Interoperability: H.320. Video encoding: H.261. Audio encoding: G.711, G.722, G.725, G.728. The C-Phone Multi-Point Controller add-on (from Target Technologies, +11.800.666.2496) will allow a 4-person multipoint conference for $4000. Collaboration: file transfer. Software can image capture and record full-motion video and audio, up to 30 fps given sufficient network bandwidth. Cost: $1,995 (for LAN user), includes Sony video camera and Primo microphone.

For more information: Twincom, Wilmington NC, +1.910.395.6100


Cameo Personal Video System

Provider: Compression Labs Inc. Category: AV for high-bandwidth environments

Minimum requirements:

Macintosh: MacOS 7.0, video card (RasterOps 24STV, 24LTV)

Notes: Video over Switched 56, ISDN, and Ethernet; audio requires separate ISDN or analog phone line. Video encoding: Proprietary CLI PV2 compression algorithm. Audio encoding: Proprietary CLI PV2 compression algorithm. Collaboration: file transfer. Cost: $1595 without camera, $2095 with camera.

For more information: Compression Labs Inc., 2860 Junction Ave., San Jose CA, 95134, +1.800.CALL.CLI, +1.408.435.3000


Communicator III

Provider: EyeTel Communications Inc.

Minimum requirements:

Intel: Windows 3.1, Novell Netware 3.11, 386SX, 4 MB RAM, Super VGA w/256 colors and feature connector, audio input/output, 5 MB hard disk space

Notes: LAN protocols: NetBIOS, TCP/IP, IPX. Interoperability: H.320. Video encoding:H.261. Audio encoding:G.711, G.722, G.728. Has multipoint capability. Collaboration: whiteboard, file transfer. Cost: $6995, includes camera, microphone, speakers, CODEC and video capture board. Optional motion estimation board $995

For more information: EyeTel Communications Inc., #206 - 267 W. Esplanade, N. Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V7M1A5, +1.800.736.3236, +1.604.984.2522, +1.604.984.3566 (fax)


Communique!

Provider: InSoft

Minimum requirements:

Intel: Windows 3.1, 3.11

IBM: AIX 3.2.5, 4.1.1

Sun: SunOS 4.1.3, 4.1.4, Solaris 2.3, 2.4

HP: HP-UX 9.0.3, 9.0.5, 10.0

DEC: OSF/1, OSF/2, OSF/3

Silicon Graphics: IRIX 5.3

Notes: LAN protocol: TCP/IP. Video encoding: CellB, JPEG, Indeo (more info at http://www.intel.com/IAL/indeo/indeo.html). Collaboration: whiteboarding, shared applications, file transfer, "groupware" tools. H.261, G.711 planned in future versions. Upon official release of Windows NT 3.51, Communique! will be available for NT both on Intel and Alpha-based PCs. Cost: $995

For more information: InSoft, 4718 Old Gettysburg Rd. #307, Mechanicsburg PA 17055, USA, phone: +1.717.730.9501, info@insoft.com, http://www.insoft.com/


Figure 9.4. Communique!


Connect 918

Provider: Nuts Technologies

Minimum requirements:

Macintosh: no additional information

Notes: Interoperability: H.320. Video encoding: H.261. Audio encoding: G.711, G.722, G.728. Point-to-point only. Collaboration: whiteboard, screen sharing. Intel version promised. Cost: $3000-$5000 depending on ISDN or LAN options.

For more information: Nuts Technologies, 2374 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara CA, 95051 USA, phone: +1.408.980.7800, NUTS.USA@applelink.apple.com


DECspin (DEC Sound Picture Information Network)


Figure 9.5.

Provider: Digital Equipment Corporation

Minimum requirements:

DEC: DECstation 5000, ULTRIX 4.3 or higher, TURBOchannel, DECmedia hardware (DECvideo,DECaudio), XMedia Tools Runtime license, 24-32 MB RAM, 500 MB - 1G B disk storage.

Notes: LAN Protocols: TCP/IP, DECnet. Multipoint capable, to 8 participants.

For more information: Digital Equipment Corporation http://www.dec.com/, ftp://ftp.digital.com/pub/Digital/info/DTJ/mm-08-decspin.txt


Eris Personal Video Communications System

Provider: RSI Systems Incorporated

Minimum requirements:

Intel: Windows 3.1

Macintosh: MacOS 7

Notes: Eris is a self-contained SCSI or PCMCIA device (no board is required). Interoperability: H.320. Video encoding: H.261 (QCIF,CIF).Audio encoding: G.728, G.711, G.722. Collaboration: file transfer, window sharing. Cost: $4495 includes desktop unit (with built-in 28,800 baud V.34 modem, integrated speakerphone) and color video camera

For more information: RSI Systems Incorporated, One Corporate Plaza, 7400 Metro Blvd # 475, Edina MN, 55439, +1.800.496-4304, +1.612.896.3020, +1.612.896.3030 (fax)


Face 2 Face

Provider: Electronic Studio

Minimum requirements:

Macintosh: no further information

Notes: Point-to-point only. LAN Protocols: Appletalk. Collaboration: text and image exchange. Cost: $995 video, $995 text and image exchange, $1495 both.

For more information: The Electronic Studio, 7 Fitzroy Square, London, W1P 6HJ, Great Britain, +1.408.974.0784.


ICU Video Services

Provider: Uni-Data and Communications, Inc.

Minimum requirements: Category 3 UTP for video within a campus

Intel: Windows 3.1

Macintosh:

Sun:

Notes: Uses separate network (up to 300 meters in total length) of unshielded twisted-pair wire to send television-quality images and distribute VCR, CATV, and broadcast TV. Interoperability: H.320. Video encoding: H.261. LAN Protocols: TCP/IP. Collaboration: white pages, directory services, text messaging, frame-grabbing. Multipoint in stages of 4-, 9-, and 16-way audiovisual conferencing.

For more information: Uni-Data and Communications, Inc., 174th Street, Flushing, NY 11365, USA, +1.718.445.5600, +1.718.445.5604 (fax); 2/9, Mason's Avenue, London, EC2V 5BT, England, +44.171.600.4124, +44.171.600.5412 (fax).


InPerson


Figure 9.6.

Provider: Silicon Graphics, Inc.

Minimum requirements:

SGI: IRIX 5.3

Windows:

Notes: Audio encoding: Intel/IMA DVI ADPCM, CCITT/ITU-T G.711u-law PCM, CCITT/ITU-T G.728, GSM 06.10 RTE/LTP. LAN Protocols: UDP; whiteboard uses TCP/IP; IP multicast used for more than participants. Multipoint-capable. Video encoding: H.261, RGB8, HDCC (SGI compression algorithm). Collaboration: text and image sharing, 3D model sharing, whiteboarding, a shared shelf for visual file transfer between participants in a call. Optional board (for Indy) provides G.728 audio compression and acoustic echo cancellation. InPerson whiteboard is available on Windows from NetManage (+1.408.973.7171, sales@netmanage.com). Internezzo Technologies (+1.415.561.5171) promises InPerson on Suns and HPs. Cost: $495

For more information: Silicon Graphics, Inc., 2171 Landings Drive, Mountain View CA 94043, +1.415.390.3900, +1.415.960.0197, inperson@sgi.com, http://www.sgi.com/Products/inperson_main.html


Interact

Provider: Applied Communication Concepts, Inc.

Minimum requirements:

Intel: Windows 3.1, Intel 386SX, 4MB RAM, VGA display

Notes: Interoperability: H.320. Video encoding: H.261. Audio encoding: G.711, G.722, G.728. Multipoint-capable, but only two of eight participants are visible at one time. Cost: $5,995 includes variable-focus proprietary person and document camera with built-in speakerphone/handset. Collaboration: shared drawing areas, shared clipboards, file transfer, OLE links. This system allows remote control of others' cameras, can record full-motion, and can generate up to 15 fps.

For more information: Applied Communication Concepts Inc., Research Triangle Park NC, +1.919.549.0874.


INTERVu

Provider: Zydacron, Inc.

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 386 or higher, Windows 3.1

Notes: Interoperability: H.320. Video encoding: H.261 (QCIF,CIF). Audio encoding: G.711u/a, G.722, G.725, G.728. Multipoint capable. Collaboration: file transfer.

For more information: Zydacron, Inc., 670 Commercial St., Manchester NH 03101, +1.603.647.1000.


InVision

Provider: InVision Systems Corp.

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 486/33, Windows 3.1, 8 MB RAM, 3 MB hard disk space, high density 3.5" disk drive, 256-color VGA or SVGA (local bus recommended), Windows-compatible mouse or pointing device, Wave-compatible sound card, Video for Windows compatible compression board, camera and microphone.

Notes: LAN Protocols: TCP/IP, IPX. Video encoding: DVI (ActionMedia II or MediaShare Mambo). Point-to-point video only. Uses VisionGraphics document-sharing software, which includes a whiteboard and supports OLE. H.261, H.320, and MPEG support under development. Cost: $595

For more information: InVision Systems Corp., 317 S. Main Mall, Suite 310, Tulsa OK 74103, +1.800.847-1662, +1.918.584.7772, +1.918.584.7775 (fax), info@invision.com


INRIA Videoconferencing System (IVS)

Provider: RODEO Project, INRIA Sophia Antipolis

Minimum requirements:

Sun SPARC: Parallax, SunVideo, VideoPix, or VigraPix video cards

Silicon Graphic: IndigoVideo, GalileoVideo, VinoVideo

Intel Linux: SCREENMACHINE II

Intel FreeBSD 2.0:

DEC 5000: VIDEOTX

DEC Alpha:

HP: VideoLive

Notes: LAN Protocols: UDP/IP, IP Multicast. Video encoding: H.261. Audio encoding: PCM, ADPCM, VADPCM. Multipoint: Yes. Collaboration: None. Multi-host conferences require kernel support for multicast IP extensions (RFC 1112). Cost: Free. Available by anonymous ftp from ftp://zenon.inria.fr/rodeo/ivs

For more information: RODEO Project, INRIA Sophia Antipolis, France. Thierry.Turletti@sophia.inria.fr, http://zenon.inria.fr:8003/rodeo/personnel/Thierry.Turletti/ivs.html


Mediafone/Fonewatch

Provider: Fiber & Wireless, Inc.

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 486DX/33, 4MB RAM, 256 K external cache, 12 MB hard disk space

Notes: Multipoint: yes. Collaboration: whiteboard, application sharing. Cost: PC kit includes video capture and VGA board, feature connector, and AV/VGA cable. Other configurations are available including a software-only package, a complete laptop system, and a software-only laptop kit.

For more information: Fiber & Wireless Inc., 2200 Amapola Court #102, Torrance CA 90501, +1.310.787.7097, +1.310.787.7099 (fax).


Meet-Me


Figure 9.7. Meet-Me.

Provider: SAT usa/Sagem

Minimum requirements:

Macintosh: Macintosh AV or PowerPC Macintosh AV (except 660AV and 6100AV), 1 free NuBus slot.

Notes: LAN Protocols: AppleTalk. Interoperability: H.320. Video encoding: H.261. Audio encoding: G.711 and G.728. Collaboration: file transfer, shared whiteboard. H.320 codec (for QuickTime Conferencing) with Planet ISDN daughterboard. Cost: $3000

For more information: SAT usa, 20370 Town Center Lane #255, Cupertino CA 95014, +1.408.446.8690, +1.408.446.9766 (fax), http://catalog.com/satusa/


Figure 9.8. Communique!

???Author: This is the same figure caption as earlier, but this figures is of a fuzzy computer. What is the real figure caption, and is this figure adding value or content? -dean


MINX

Provider: Datapoint Corp.

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 386SX, 4MB RAM, VGA display, Windows 3.1

Notes: Interoperability: H.320. Video encoding: H.261. Audio encoding: G.711, G.722, G.728. Multipoint: yes (maximum of 54 parties, software automatically switches view to current speaker). Collaboration: Shared drawing areas, file transfer, external applications. Cost: $5,000, includes microphone and camera

For more information: Datapoint Corp., San Antonio TX, +1.800.334.9968, +1.210.593.7900


Ntv

Provider: Peregrine Systems

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 386 DX/25, 4MB RAM, Windows 3.1

Notes: Collaboration: Application sharing.

For more information: Peregrine Systems, Inc., 1959 Palomar Oaks Way, Carlsbad CA 92009, +1.800.638.5231, +1.619.431.2400, +1.619.431.0696 (fax), info@www.peregrine.com, http://www.peregrine.com/


nv (Network Video)

Provider: Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC)

Minimum requirements:

Sun 4: Parallax, PARCVideo, VideoPix, X Window System

Sun 5: SunVideo, VideoPix, X Window System

Sun SPARC: X Window System

DEC 5000: (Ultrix) PIP, X Window System

DEC Alpha: (OSF 1) J300, X Window System

Silicon Graphics: (Irix 5) SGI VL (Indy, Galileo), X Window System

HP 9000: (HPUX) VideoLive, X Window System

IBM RS6000: (AIX) IBM VCA, X Window System

Notes: nv provides unicast and multicast video over the Internet. It is commonly supplemented with vat (Visual Audio Tool) and wb (whiteboard) for full-featured video/audio conferencing and collaboration. LAN Protocols: UDP/IP, IP Multicast. Video encoding: Native NV, CU-SeeMe, Sun CellB. Audio encoding: N/A. Multipoint: Yes. Collaboration: None. vat and wb are available at ftp://ftp.ee.lbl.gov/conferencing/. Cost: Free. Available by anonymous ftp from ftp://parcftp.xerox.com/pub/net-research

For more information: Ron Frederick, frederick@parc.xerox.com, ftp://parcftp.xerox.com/pub/net-research/nv-paper.ps


Person to Person

Provider: IBM

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 386SX, OS/2 2.x or Windows 3.1, 8 MB RAM, ActionMedia II hardware

Notes: LAN Protocols: NetBIOS, TCP/IP, APPC, Novell IPX/SPX. Video encoding: DVI. Multipoint: Yes. Collaboration: whiteboard, file transfer, Talk window, shared clipboard. Cost: $280

For more information: IBM, +1.800.IBM.4FAX (fax-back, in USA), +1.404.238.6726, +1.415.855.4329 (outside USA), http://www.hursley.ibm.com/p2p/index.html, http://fiddle.ee.vt.edu/succeed/p2p.html


Figure 9.9. Person to Person.


Personal Viewpoint

Provider: ViewPoint Systems

Minimum requirements:

Intel: Windows 3.1, VGA graphics, 1 available slot

Notes: LAN Protocols: TCP/IP. Multipoint: Yes. Collaboration: whiteboard, file transfer. Cost: $1595 without camera, $1995 with camera

For more information: ViewPoint Systems Inc., 2247 Wisconsin St., Suite 110, Dallas TX 75229, +1.214.243.0634.


PICFON

Provider: Specom Technologies

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 386, 4 MB RAM, 40 MB hard disk, DOS 5.0

Notes: Multipoint: Yes, to 3 persons. Collaboration: Still-image sharing. This product superceeded by Specom's TelePro.

For more information: Specom Technologies Corp., 2322 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara CA 95051, +1.408.982.1880, +1.408.982.1883 (fax).


PictureTel Live PCS 100

Provider: PictureTel

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 386, 2 ISA slots, Windows 3.1

Notes: Interoperability: H.320. Video encoding: H.261. Audio encoding: G.721, G.722, G.728, PT 724 proprietary algorithm. Multipoint: Yes, to 16 persons. Collaboration: whiteboard, file transfer, screen sharing, application sharing. Cost: $4995

For more information: PictureTel Corp., The Tower at Northwoods, 222 Rosewood Dr., Danvers MA 01923, +1.800.716.6000, +1.508.762.5000, +1.508.762.5245 (fax).


PictureTel Live PCS 50

Provider: PictureTel

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 386, 2 ISA slots, Windows 3.1, VAFC graphics connection (available from PictureTel)

Notes: Interoperability: H.320. Video encoding: H.261. Audio encoding: G.721, G.722, G.728, PT 724 proprietary algorithm. Multipoint: Yes, to 16 persons. Collaboration: whiteboard, file transfer, screen sharing, application sharing. The Zenith Data Systems Z-STATION GT 575 VC, a 75Mhz Pentium system (http://www.zds.com/htdocs/zds/htm/zstatvc.htm), will include the PCS-50 complete with camera and speakerphone. Cost: $2495

For more information: PictureTel Corp., The Tower at Northwoods, 222 Rosewood Dr., Danvers MA 01923, +1.800.716.6000, +1.508.762.5000, +1.508.762.5245 (fax).


Figure 9.4. Zenith's Z-STATION

???Cut this? Where is this figure? What I have for 9.4 ain't Zenith's, and what I have for the next sequential figure is for Intel ProShare. -fran


PictureTel LiveLAN

Provider: PictureTel

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 486-66, video capture card, Windows 3.1, audio card

Notes: LAN Protocols: IPX. Audio encoding: Proprietary. Video encoding: Proprietary. Multipoint: No. Collaboration: Application Sharing. Cost: $395

For more information: PictureTel Corp., The Tower at Northwoods, 222 Rosewood Dr., Danvers MA 01923, +1.800.716.6000, +1.508.762.5000, +1.508.762.5245 (fax).


PictureWindow

Provider: Bolt, Beranek, and Newman (BBN)

Minimum requirements:

Sun SPARC: 8-bit frame buffer, 24 MB RAM, SunOS 4.1.1 with IPC_SHMEM option, OpenWindows 2.0 or the X Window System release 4, VideoPix card

Notes: LAN Protocols: UDP/IP, TCP/IP. Multipoint: Yes. Collaboration: No. Cost: $495, $1495 with VideoPix and camera. A receive-only demo is available via ftp from picwin.bbn.com. Log in as picwin.

For more information: BBN, 150 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge MA 02140, +1.800.422.2359, +1.617.873.2000, +1.617.873.5011 (fax), picwin-sales@bbn.com, http://www.bbn.com/BEN.mm.html>BBN


ProShare Video System 150


Figure 9.10. ProShare.

Provider: Intel

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 486/33, Windows 3.1, 8 MB RAM, 16 MB hard disk space, 8-bit VGA display (no feature connector required), network interface card, 1 full-length ISA slot, LANDesk Personal Conferencing Manager, one of the following protocol stacks: IPX (Novell VIPX, version 1.11, 1.17, 1.18), TCP/IP (FTP PC/TCP, version 2.31, FTP OnNet, version 1.1), Novell LAN WorkPlace for DOS (version 4.12), NetBIOS (Windows for Workgroups 3.11)

Notes: LAN Protocols: NetBIOS, TCP/IP, IPX. Audio encoding: GSM. Video encoding: Indeo. Collaboration: whiteboard, application sharing. Cost: $1499, includes software, one full-length ISA card, color CCD camera, headset/microphone unit

For more information: Intel Corp., 2200 Mission College Blvd., P.O. Box 58199, Santa Clara CA 95052-8119, +1.800.538-3373, +1.503.629.7354, +1.800.525.3019 (fax), http://www.intel.com/comm-net/proshare/


ProShare Video System 200

Provider: Intel

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 486/33, Windows 3.1, 8 MB RAM, 17 MB hard disk space, 8-bit VGA (no feature connector required), 2 full-length ISA slots, LANDesk Personal Conferencing Manager, one of the following protocol stacks: IPX (Novell VIPX, version 1.11, 1.17, 1.18), TCP/IP (FTP PC/TCP, version 2.31, FTP OnNet, version 1.1), Novell LAN WorkPlace for DOS (version 4.12), NetBIOS (Windows for Workgroups 3.11)

Notes: LAN Protocols: NetBIOS, TCP/IP, and IPX. Audio encoding: GSM, G.711. Video encoding: Indeo, QCIF H.261 Interoperability: H.320. Multipoint: Yes, using H.320-compatible bridges. Collaboration: whiteboard, application sharing. Cost: $1999. $1499 if user purchases either local ISDN Service from a participating LEC or long distance ISDN Service from an IXC. $999 if user purchases both local and long distance ISDN service from participating carriers. Includes software, 2 full-length ISA cards, color CCD camera, headset/microphone unit.

For more information: Intel Corp., 2200 Mission College Blvd., P.O. Box 58199, Santa Clara CA 95052-8119, +1.800.538-3373, +1.503.629.7354, +1.800.525.3019 (fax), http://www.intel.com/comm-net/proshare/


Figure 9.11.

???Author, Please provide a caption for this figure (looks like a typical ad--grainy image of a casual-stance yuppie man in his office (computer behin him). -fran


Paradise Software Video Conferencing (PSVC)

Provider: Paradise Software, Inc.

Minimum requirements:

Sun SPARC: Parallax XVideo/PowerVideo boards, SunOS 4.1.3 or Solaris 2.3, OpenWindows 3.x, 1 MB hard disk space, 16 MB RAM, 16 MB swap space.

Notes: LAN Protocols: TCP/IP. Video encoding: M-JPEG. Multipoint: Yes. Collaboration: whiteboard, video mail, screen capture. Support for HP 700 series, Motif promised. PSVC is integrated into Paradise Software's new "Simplicity" virtual meeting software. Cost: $995

For more information: Paradise Software, Inc., 7 Centre Drive, Suite 9, Jamesburg NJ 08831, +1.609.655.0016, +1.609.655.0045 (fax), support@paradise.com, http://www.paradise.com/


ShareVision Mac 3000


Figure 9.12. Creative Labs, Inc.

Provider: Creative Labs

Minimum requirements:

Macintosh:

Notes: Interoperable with ShareVision PC product. Cost: $1299

For more information: Creative Labs, Inc., 1901 McCarthy Boulevard, Milpitas CA 95035, +1.800.998.1000, +1.408.428.6600, +1.408.428.6611 (fax), SHAREVIS.MKT@applelink.apple.com, http://www.creaf.com/


ShareVision PC

Provider: Creative Labs

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 486SX/33, 2 available, 16-bit ISA bus slots, 8 MB RAM, 6 MB hard disk space, Windows 3.1, VGA or SVGA display

Notes: Video encoding: VATP. Audio encoding: VATP. Multipoint: No. Collaboration: application sharing, whiteboard, document sharing, file transfer. Interoperable with ShareVision Mac product. Cost: $1599, includes software, 2 boards (Video Blaster RT300 video capture/compression card and ShareVision PC Audio card), color CCD camera, fax/modem, headset/microphone unit

For more information: Creative Labs, Inc., 1901 McCarthy Boulevard, Milpitas CA 95035, +1.800.998.1000, +1.408.428.6600, +1.408.428.6611 (fax), SHAREVIS.MKT@applelink.apple.com, http://www.creaf.com/


ShowMe


Figure 9.13.

Provider: Sun Microsystems

Minimum requirements:

Sun SPARC: Solaris 2.3, X Window System release 5, OpenWindows 3, 1 SBUS slot, SunVideo board, SunMicrophone

Notes: LAN Protocols: UDP/IP, TCP/IP, IP Multicast, RTP. Video encoding: CellB. Audio encoding: G.711 (uncompressed 8-bit, 8 KHz audio stream at 64 kbps). Multipoint: Yes, with and without IP Multicast. Collaboration: whiteboard, application Sharing for X Window System releases 4 and 5-based applications and WABI 1.0 supported Windows applications. Cost: $3270, including SunVideo board and camera. Educational discount available.

For more information: Sun Microsystems, +1.800.873.7869, sunsol-www@sunsolutions.eng.sun.com, http://www.sun.com:80/cgi-bin/show?products-n-solutions/sw/ShowMe/index.html


Figure 9.14. ShowMe Video.


TelePro with VisionTime

Provider: Specom Technologies Corp.

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 386, 8 MB RAM, 8 MB disk space, Windows 3.1, high-color VGA card with 64K true colors, video capture card with Video for Windows drivers.

Notes: Multipoint: Optional, up to 64 users. Collaboration: document sharing of Windows applications, OLE. Cost: $995, includes software, frame grabber card, voice/data modem, handset.

For more information: Specom Technologies Corp., 2322 Walsh Ave., Santa Clara CA, 95051, +1.408.982.1880, +1.408.982.1883 (fax).


TeleView 1000C

Provider: Video Conferencing Communications, Inc. Cost: $3995, includes boards.

For more information: Video Conferencing Communications, Robert Medrano, +1.714.452.0800.


VC8000

Provider: British Telecommunications plc

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 386, 8 MB RAM, 10-15 MB hard disk space, full-length ISA slot, VGA, SVGA or XGA non-interlaced monitor ISDN-2, Windows 3.1, DOS 5.0, BT partner application software

Notes: Interoperability: H.320. Video encoding: H.261 (QCIF moving images, CIF image capture). Audio encoding: G.711, G.722, G.728. Multipoint: H.242. Collaboration: application sharing, file transfer, whiteboard. Promised are CIF resolution for image capture, QCIF resolution for moving images, and T.120 data support. Cost: 2700 UK pounds, includes ISA card, NTSC or PAL camera, audio unit, connection unit, AC/DC adaptor, associated leads, and accessory pack.

For more information: BT Visual Images, 360 Herndon Parkway, Suite 2200, Herndon, Virginia 22070-4820, +1.800.778.4820, +1.703.709.4231 (fax, attention John Taylor), taylor@vaherndon1.btna.com, technical questions to iain@empire.bt.co.uk


VicPhone

Provider: VIC Hi-Tech Corporation

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 486/33, 16-bit ISA bus, Windows 3.1, VGA board with feature connector, CCD camera (NTSC, PAL, or S-VIDEO).

Notes: Video encoding: JPEG. Multipoint: LAN/WAN only. Collaboration: shared images, shared documents, whiteboard, file transfer, text window. H.320 promised. Cost: $599, includes video capture/display card,videoconferencing software and additional multimedia video/audio capture/edit/playback features.

For more information: VIC Hi-Tech Corporation, 2221 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 237, El Segundo CA 90245, +1.310.643.5193, +1.310.643.7572 (fax), 70544.2472@compuserve.com


VidCall

Provider: MRA Associates Inc.

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 386/33, 2 MB disk space, 4 MB RAM, VGA display, Windows 3.1 or Windows NT.

Notes: Audio requires separate phone line or voice/data modem. Interoperability: No. Video encoding: Proprietary. Multipoint: LAN/WAN only. Collaboration: whiteboard, image sharing and annotation, application sharing via OLE. Cost: $99 for two-system package. Demo available from web page.

For more information: MRA Associates Inc., 2102B Gallows Rd., Vienna VA 22182, +1.703.448.5373, f+1.703.734.9825 (fax), +1.703.448.5931 (bulletin board service), http://www.access.digex.net/~vidcall/vidcall.html


Figure 9.15. VidCall


VideoVu

Provider: Future Communications Systems, Inc.

Minimum requirements:

Intel:

Notes: LAN/WAN only, up to 8 persons. Cost: $74.95, VideoVu Two Pak $129.95, VideoVu Complete Kit $325 (2 copies of VideoVu with the Video Logic Captivator PRO capture board). Demo available from web page.

For more information: Future Communications Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 244, Syosset N.Y. 11791, +1.516.496.7121, +1.516.496.7121 (fax), future@i-2000.com


VISIT


Figure 9.16. Nortel.

Provider: Northern Telecom Inc. Platform requirements:

Intel: 386, Windows 3.1, AT-bus expansion slot, DOS 5.0 or greater, 8MB RAM (12 MB RAM max on ISA PC, 16MB or more possible on EISA w/ memory re-mapping), 256-color VGA board and color monitor (Super VGA w/ thousands of colors support recommended).

Macintosh: Macintosh II family or other NuBus-equipped Apple computer, NuBus expansion slot, System 7 or greater, 8MB RAM, Color monitor.

Notes: The current version uses H.261 video encoding. Future versions promise to provide H.320-compliant interoperation. Has whiteboarding and file transfer capabilities. Cost: $5319, including camera.

For more information: Northern Telecom Inc., 2221 Lakeside Blvd., Richardson TX 75082, USA, +1.800.667.8437, +1.214.684.5930, +1.214.684.3866 (fax), http://www.nortel.com/visit


Figure 9.17. VISIT Video.


Vistium 1200

Provider: AT&T Global Information Solutions

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 486/66 or Pentium, 8MB RAM, VGA with VESA feature connector, Windows 3.1, one ISA slot (second slot for V-BRI ISDN interface - not required for 8510 models). Provides ISDN "S/T" interface, requires external NT1 for ISDN "U".

Notes: Interoperability uses H.320 protocol. Audio encodings: G.728, G.711. Video encoding: H.261 (QCIF,CIF). Collaboration features include whiteboarding, file transfer, JPEG image capture, and Windows application sharing. Uses the AT&T Microelectronics AVP-II codec chip set to perform hardware-assisted encoding and decoding. Upcoming version promises T.120 and multipoint capability. Cost: $2700 including camera and ISDN S/T interface.

For more information: AT&T Global Information Solutions, 1700 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton OH 45479-0001, +1.800.225.5627, +1.513.445.5000, http://www.att.com/home64/vistium.html


Figure 9.18. Vistium


Vistium 1300

Provider: AT&T Global Information Solutions

Minimum requirements:

Intel: Intel 386/25, 8MB RAM, VGA with VESA, Windows 3.1+, two adjacent ISA slots (plus a third slot for network interface board - except 8510 models). ISDN models provide "S/T" interface, require external NT1 for ISDN "U" connection.

Notes: Interoperability uses H.320 protocol. Audio encodings: G.728, G.711. Video encoding: H.261 (QCIF,CIF). Collaboration features include whiteboarding, file transfer, JPEG image capture, and Windows application sharing. Uses the AT&T Microelectronics AVP codec chip set to perform hardware-assisted encoding and decoding. Upcoming version promises T.120 and multipoint capability. Cost: $5000 including camera, AV connectors, Share Software, and network interface.

For more information: AT&T Global Information Solutions, 1700 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton OH 45479-0001, +1.800.225.5627, +1.513.445.5000, http://www.att.com/home64/vistium.html


Vivo 320


Figure 9.19. Vivo Software, Inc.

Provider: Vivo Software, Inc.

Minimum requirements:

Intel: 486 66-MHz PC, 8 MB memory, A video display adapter that uses the PC's local bus (either VESA or PCI), 2 free ISA or EISA slots, Windows 3.1

Notes: Interoperability: H.320. Video encoding: transmits QCIF (176x144), receives CIF (352x288) and QCIF. Audio encoding: G.711, G.722 7KHz. Multipoint via H.320-compliant MCU (Multi-point Conferencing Unit). Collaboration: document sharing with Databeam's FarSite 2.0, image presentation and markup. Cost: $1995, includes Vivo320 software, Logitech VideoMan digital video camera and microphone, monitor-top and desktop stands for the VideoMan camera speaker for hands-free operation and an earpiece for privacy, Logitech MovieMan ISA-bus video capture card, IBM WaveRunner ISA-bus ISDN terminal adapter card and associated driver software, device drivers

For more information: Vivo Software, Inc., +1.800.848.6411, +1.617.899.8900, +1.617.899.1400 (fax), info@vivo.com, http://world.std.com/~vivo/


VS1000

Provider: Mentec International Ltd.

Minimum requirements:

Intel: Windows

Notes: Audio encoding: G.711. Video encoding: H.261. Cost: ???Author, Why is this blank? Please fill in cost information.

For more information: Mentec International Ltd., Mentec House, 520 Birchwood Boulevard, Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 7QX, Great Britain, +44.925.830000.

Add-On Software that Adds Functionality

This section is about third-party software that adds automation or additional functionality to an existing videoconferencing system. The softwere described here are all for the Macintosh. Due to the lack of an inexpensive Windows standard product, equivalent software for Windows doesn't yet exist. The release of the Connectix QuickCam for Windows this autumn should change all that.


Cambot

Cambot, by Eric Johnston , is a digital fun-house for videocameras. Figure 9.20 shows some aspects of Cambot. The Camera window shows at what the camera is pointed. Having the brightness control at hand is very nice (but having automatic exposure would be even nicer).


Figure 9.20. Cambot

The Motion window allows one to select four areas of the image and assign motion detection warning sounds. The Kaleidascope and Bug Eye effects are self-explanatory. Promised is the ability to read Universal Price Codes (UPC) bar-codes from packages. There are more features in Cambot to add power and functionality to your videoconferencing setup than I've listed here. Cambot is a great example of value-added software.


ShutterBug

ShutterBug, by Tim Molteno & Cannibal Island Software, is a small Macintosh application that periodically takes a snapshot through your camera. This is useful for keeping an up-to-date image on a web page. ShutterBug's claim to fame, however, is its ability to automatically cope with changes in light levels in the scene, capability still lacking in Connectix's QuickCam software. Auto-exposure makes it possible for true unattended operation; without it pictures quickly become too dark or washed out.


Figure 9.21. ShutterBug

Figure 9.21 shows ShutterBug in operation. Things to note include the optional date/time stamp at the bottom right of the image and the ability to arbitrarily choose a rectangular area to be used for auto-exposure. (I'm pointing to the area I've chosen for this snap-shot.)

Snapshot is available from http://jurgen.physics.utoronto.ca:8080/~tim/Cannibal.html

Have you found errors nontrivial or marginal, factual, analytical and illogical, arithmetical, temporal, or even typographical? Please let me know; drop me email. Thanks!
 

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